Bullying significantly impacts the mental health of children and adolescent victims. Whether it’s physical, verbal, social or cyberbullying – the impacts can span an array of significant physical, social, emotional, academic and mental health issues.
Ontario’s Ministry of Education and training website notes that over 1 in 5 Ontario students (21%) reported being bullied at school. According to The Public Health Agency of Canada between 4-12 per cent of boys and girls in grades 6 through 10 report having been bullied once a week or more.
Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) has a long history of working in partnership across the community to build and grow collaborative and successful Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) programs and services for children and youth. Since the start of the pandemic, the need for these programs and services has never been greater. Recently JBH welcomed its new Child and Adolescent Lead Psychiatrist, Dr. Monidipa Ravi, to support the growing demand being seen in the region.
“Our current healthcare system does not always meet the needs of children and adolescents when it comes to the treatment of mental illness. For example, there are currently no child or adolescent inpatient mental health beds at JBH and those requiring this level of support must go outside of the community,” said Dr. Ravi.
Currently, the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric (CAP) Program at JBH is the primary access point for the most vulnerable youth in the region, under the age of 18, with a variety of behavioural, mood, anxiety, substance abuse, psychosis and developmental disorders. It provides early intervention and supports a faster integration back to home and school, and in resuming normal routines and positive experiences that will further enhance their resiliency and recovery.
Access to high quality MHA services is one of the biggest challenges the community faces today, so much so, that the Burlington Ontario Health Team has identified mental health and addictions support as its priority focus. JBH is looking to expand their inpatient capacity to support children and adolescents in need of MHA supports.
JBH’s long-term goal is to lead the transformative change needed in the region to build a stronger model of MHA care that provides more services to more patients when they need it and where they need it.
“Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is a tremendous way to shed light on the mental health needs for children and adolescents in our community,” said Eric Vandewall, President and CEO of Joseph Brant Hospital. “At JBH we see first-hand the meaningful impact MHA services have on those receiving treatment. We want everyone who is seeking help to have access to the care they need in a safe environment that’s close to home.”
For more information, please visit www.keepcareclosetohome.ca
About Joseph Brant Hospital
Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is a full-service community teaching hospital located in the growing and thriving community of Burlington, Ontario, serving more than 185,000 residents in Halton, Hamilton, Waterdown, Flamborough, Milton and Stoney Creek. It is honoured to be recognized as one of Hamilton Niagara’s Top Employers for five (5) consecutive years, with a skilled staff of 194 physicians, 1,911 full- and part-time staff and more than 700 volunteers.
JBH is a Clinical Education site in conjunction with McMaster University, and designated as an Academic Community Teaching Hospital. Its expanded campus includes the state-of-art Michael Lee-Chin & Family Patient Tower, featuring a new Emergency Department, 172 acute inpatient beds, 9 new Operating Rooms and post-anaesthetic care unit to support expanded medical, surgical and outpatient services. JBH is also a partner member of the Burlington Ontario Health Team.
JBH inspires and empowers a culture of caring and this is demonstrated in many ways including our committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our people. For more information, visit www.josephbranthospital.ca.
Contact: Corporate Communications
905-632-3737 ext. 2038
corporatecommunications@josephbranthospital.ca
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